Miner held for stealing platinum

Marikana, North West - A 37-year-old mineworker at Lonmin's Marikana mine has been arrested for possession of raw platinum powder worth R800 000, North West police said on Sunday.

Captain Amanda Funani said the man was arrested at a roadblock on Saturday in Marikana.

“It is alleged that the suspect was found with raw powder platinum worth R800,000. The suspect's car was stopped by the police and when searching the vehicle, the precious metal was found and the suspect was arrested.”

She said the man denied the powder was platinum, but an inspector at Lonmin mines confirmed it was.

“After it was confirmed, the suspect was arrested under the Precious Stones Act. He is expected to appear before the Rustenburg Magistrate's Court on Monday,” said Funani. - Sapa